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FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Ahead of their Champions League last 16 first-leg tie against Celtic, Juventus manager Antonio Conte believes Celtic striker Gary Hooper would "excel" in Serie A. (Various)

Manager Neil Lennon urges his players to enjoy the experience of the occasion because there are no guarantees it will happen again. (Various)

And the Celtic boss believes the club should be given credit for their achievements and should not be underestimated. (Various)

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras will be given until the last moment to prove his fitness for the Juve match. (Various)

Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish believes beating Juventus would not top the achievement of defeating Barcelona earlier in the season. (The Scotsman)

Parkhead skipper Scott Brown describes Juve playmaker Andrea Pirlo "one of the greats". (Various)

Former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey recalls the time when the Scots and the Italians met in the European Cup in 1981 and he was knocked out by a punch from defender Caludio Gentile. (The Sun)

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown acknowledges the frustration of the fans after only three wins at home in 13 games. (Various)

Billy Davies insists he has a clause in his manager's contract at Nottingham Forest that means there will be no interference from the club's owners. (Daily Mail)

Davies is trying to bring out-of-contract striker Kris Boyd back to Forest. (Daily Express)

Tannadice manager Jackie McNamara wants to keep midfielder Willo Flood at Dundee United after the summer, when his contract runs out. (Daily Record)

Former Rangers midfielder Ian Ferguson has been sacked as manager of Perth Glory. (Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Ireland's Cian Healy has been cited for stamping on England prop Dan Cole and could miss the match against Scotland at Murrayfield on 24 February. (The Scotsman)

Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie insists there is "absolutely no reason" why Scotland cannot win the Six Nations title. (The Scotsman).